Where to Get Help Paying Your Electric Bill in California
There are several programs set up to provide for California consumers with assistance in paying electric bills. From low-income assistance programs to averaged cost payment plans, there is an option for almost anyone. Read more to learn how you can get the help and assistance you require.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Go to the California Public Utilities Commission website. Click on the "REACH" link. The REACH program (Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help) is set up for low-income California residents experiencing a financial crisis or burden, making it temporarily impossible to pay a portion or all of the utility due.
-
2
Consider a payment plan. Apply for the Balanced Payment Plan Program (BPP). The program allows consumers to pay a specified monthly amount, based upon an average of the monthly energy costs for the household used over a 12 month period.
-
-
3
Choose a consumer plan. Visit the CA.gov website to find information about various consumer plans, including PG&E; Edison; SDG&E; SoCalGas; Alpine Nat'l Gas; Avista Utilities; Bear Valley Elect; PacifiCorp; Sierra Pacific; Southwest Gas; and West Coast Gas. For a list of contact numbers see below.
-
4
Apply for The Gas Assistance Fund (GAF). The fund is set up to provide assistance to qualifying customers. Funded by donations and administrated by the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, the program is for persons who are having difficulty paying their gas bills. You must qualify in order to receive assistance.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
PG&E 800-933-9677
Edison 866-675-6623
SDG&E 800-411-7343
SoCalGas 800-427-2200
Alpine Nat'l Gas 209-772-3006
Avista Utilities 800-227-9187
Bear Valley Elect 800-808-8237
PacifiCorp 888-221-7070
Sierra Pacific 800-782-2498
Southwest Gas 800-645-4541
West Coast Gas 916-364-4100
You will be required to prove economic hardship or low-income status in order to qualify for many of the above programs.
